Application Report
SLAA089D – December 1999 – Revised August 2006
Features of the MSP430 Bootstrap Loader
Stefan Schauer..................................................................................................................... MSP430
ABSTRACT
The MSP430 bootstrap loader (BSL) enables users to communicate with embedded
memory in the MSP430 microcontroller during the prototyping phase, final production,
and in service. Both the programmable memory (flash memory) and the data memory
(RAM) can be modified as required.
The commonly used UART protocol with RS232 interfacing is supported, allowing
flexible use of both hardware and software.
To use the bootstrap loader, a specific BSL entry sequence has to be applied to
specific device pins. An added sequence of commands initiates the desired function. A
boot-loading session can be exited by continuing operation at a defined user program
address or by the reset condition.
Access to the MSP430 memory via the bootstrap loader is protected against misuse by
a user-defined password.
Contents
1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 2
2 Standard RESET and BSL Entry Sequence .................................................... 2
3 UART Protocol ...................................................................................... 3
4 Synchronization Sequence ........................................................................ 4
5 Commands .......................................................................................... 4
6 Programming Flow ................................................................................. 4
7 Data Frame .......................................................................................... 5
8 Loadable BSL ...................................................................................... 12
9 Exiting the BSL .................................................................................... 12
10 Password Protection .............................................................................. 12
11 Code Protection Fuse ............................................................................ 13
12 BSL Internal Settings and Resources .......................................................... 13
13 Special Consideration for BSL Version 1.10 .................................................. 15
14 References ......................................................................................... 15
Appendix A Differences Between Devices and BSL Versions ................................... 16
Appendix B MSP430 BSL Replicator ................................................................ 23
SLAA089D – December 1999 – Revised August 2006 Features of the MSP430 Bootstrap Loader 1
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